Five Scenic Stops to Alaska

The Five-Must-See-Destinations On Your Way to Alaska

Getting to Alaska is never easy, especially when you drive. Instead of just getting out the compass and heading blindly north, why not take some time to plan and make stops along the way. See the sights, eat the food, drink with the locals, and take out the camera. The road is long, but that doesn’t mean the drive has to be. Enjoy the journey to the destination as it is part of the vacation. Consider stopping at these five-must-see destinations the next time you head to the land of the midnight sun:

1. Bell 2 Lodge

Originally little more than a gas station, Bell 2 Lodge has come a long way. While it still sells gas, it goes far beyond that. Located in the wild Skeena Mountains in northwestern BC on the Stewart Cassiar Highway, it’s the only sign of civilisation for miles. This northern wilderness retreat has become a local staple and a vital stop-over for travellers. Stay in luxurious cabins, soak in the hot tub, enjoy the proclaimed best burger north of Smithers, and perhaps even glimpse some northern lights. They also have full service camping, and RV hook-ups. Watch moose munch past the cabin windows and salmon jump in the Bell River, while sipping wine and enjoying a multicourse dinner in the newly renovated dining room. Need I say more?

“Bell 2 Lodge. Just because you’re in the boonies doesn’t mean you have to rough it” Photo – Steve Rosset

2. Stewart

Back in its day, Stewart was home to a couple thousand residents. Its prosperity came from mining, however when the mine shut in the 1990’s, almost 200 families left in a weekend. Although the town is quiet, it’s still charming and a great place to explore. Nestled in a deep valley, surrounded by striking peaks and beside the Portland Canal, Stewart makes a great base to explore the sea and land. Hike in old growth forests to rocky summits and alpine tarns or wonder the historic streets.

“You pass the breath-taking Bear Glacier on the way to Stewart. This is wild country” Photo – Steve Rosset

“Perched on the ocean, Stewart is great for boating, kayaking, and fishing”

“If it’s a rainy day, explore the toaster museum and see how toast was singed throughout the ages” Photo – Vancouver sun

“Hiking in coastal rainforest. A plant lovers paradise” BC Government

3. Watson Lake

Home to the famous Sign Post Forest, Watson Lake is the first stopover for many in the Yukon. Named after Frank Watson, an American seeking gold during the Klondike Gold rush. He was the first white-man to settle the area. Located in the rolling hills of the southeast, it’s a perfect staging point for fishing, white water canoeing, horseback riding, and the only man-made water slide north of 60°. The town even has a park downtown, so you don’t have to go far to surround yourself with nature. Wye Lake Park provides opportunities to see a Great Horned Owl, Bald Eagles, and Wood Peckers.

“I think the picture speaks for itself” Photo – Liam Harrap

“Laugh in the face of warm summer days with the North-most waterslide” Photo – watsonlake.ca

Photo – Watsonlake.ca

4. Haines Junction

The small town of Haines Junctions is the gateway to the vast and spectacular Kluane National Park. Kluane, together with Tatchenshini-Alsek Park in British Columbia, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska form the largest internationally protected region on earth. If you’re seeking wilderness, you’ve found it. Climbers and skiers come from around the world and use Haines Junction as a stepping stone to the mountains. Imagine range after range of unnamed peaks and unclimbed rugged summits. It doesn’t get much more epic than this.

“Mount Logan: The highest mountain in Canada and the largest by mass in the world. Things are “big” in Kluane” Photo – Liam Harrap

“Kluane is so vast, only by air can you even attempt to grasp the enormity. Go here for more info: www.kluaneglacierairtours.com” Photo – Liam Harrap

5. Dawson City

Boasting a mixture of First Nations Heritage, Gold Rush History, and tourism industry, Dawson City is a vibrant northern town beside the Yukon River. Founded with the discovery of gold in 1896, the town has continued to flourish and preserve its past. Wonder the Klondike Gold Fields and try your luck gold panning. Perhaps you’ll even strike it rich in Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino, the first legalized gambling hall in Canada. And if you’re slightly mad, get a toe shot at the downtown hotel.

“If you’re lucky a trip to Dawson may pay for itself. And then some” Photo – www.theaureport.com

“If you’re feeling wild, head to the Downtown hotel and order a toe shot. A shot of booze with a human toe in it. Try to resist drinking the toe in your drink or you’ll be fined $2500 (it’s happened. Numerous times)” Downtown Hotel

While Alaska is pretty awesome, these five stop overs are comparable rivalry. Don’t always focus on the destination, or you’ll miss the in-between. In some cases, that may be the best part of the vacation.

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Liam grew up in Jasper, Alberta – a perfect place for scrambling pointy things and survival skiing. He loves to travel to cold and miserable places, as long as he has a steaming mug of tea and good grub to fry in bacon fat. He completed his undergrad (via taking the scenic route of 7 years) at the University of British Columbia in English Literature, but has only worked in jobs relating to Biology and skiing. He has worked for Last Frontier Heliskiing for the past two winters as a radio operator at Ripley Creek.

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Bell 2 Lodge is a full service resort situated on Highway 37, 360km North of Smithers, BC. The property features log chalet accommodation, camping facilities, restaurant, coffee shop, gas station and heli pad with refueling facilities.